January 30, 2026
The Belgian Ministry of Defence has officially confirmed the project. Land Systems Logistic Support (LS²), a partnership between Land Force and a joint venture between John Cockerill Defense, FN Herstal and Thales. This ambitious initiative aims to support the long-term maintenance of all Land Force vehicles and systems, and ensure their long-term operational availability.
This 20 years, is based on solid industrial collaboration between Defence and three leading companies in the sector: John Cockerill Defense, FN Herstal and Thales.
By putting their expertise at the service of Belgian defense, the three partners have created a joint venture dedicated to the maintenance, modernization and logistical support of all Land Force vehicles, as well as their information, communication and weapons systems.
Thanks to this pooling of skills, LS² will :
- Ensure integrated, consistent support, to improve the availability of land-based capabilities; ;
- To strengthen technological and industrial sovereignty Belgium; ;
- Maintain and develop critical skills on the national territory; ;
- To create highly skilled jobs and encourage sustainable local investment; ;
- Introduce modernized, streamlined maintenance solutions compared with existing systems.
Maintenance activities will be carried out at several Land Force bases in Belgium. In addition, the joint venture will begin construction of specific maintenance infrastructures on the Defense site at Rocourt. Thibault Lambrecht, currently VP Sales at John Cockerill Defense, has been appointed CEO of LS², taking up his post in February 2026.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken approved the terms of the agreement. This is a strategic investment for Belgium, with the aim of strengthening strategic autonomy of Defense preserving and developing national industrial skills, of create skilled jobs and guarantee operational availability long-term land-based capabilities.
Theo Francken, Minister of Defense: « With LS², we show what Belgium is capable of when our defense industry joins forces. It's a first in our country: an integrated, all-in-one solution that raises our vehicles to a higher level and strengthens the combat capability of our units. LS² proves that collaboration is not a compromise, but a gas pedal. Our companies strengthen each other - and together, they strengthen our defense. "
Thierry Renaudin, CEO of John Cockerill Defense: « LS² is the alliance of three leaders in their field who, together, want to meet the essential need for maintenance in operational condition of Belgian defense vehicles. LS² is thus a pillar of sovereignty in the field of defense, and a lever for the continued development of our armed forces support activities. John Cockerill Defense is proud to put its two-hundred-year-old expertise at the service of this strategic industrial partnership, and to strengthen its cooperation with the Defense sector. "
Julien Compère, CEO of FN Herstal: « LS² guarantees the Land Forces that their vehicles and weaponry will be operational at all times to accomplish their missions, and provides our industries with long-term visibility favorable to local investment. The contract also illustrates our commitment to developing tailor-made solutions to meet the specific needs of our partner armed forces. "
Alain Quevrin, CEO of Thales Belgium: « We are proud of the trust placed in us by the Belgian Ministry of Defense through the creation of LS², which marks a decisive step for the national industry. By joining forces, we are guaranteeing the availability and performance of all Land Force vehicles for decades to come, to ensure the operational readiness of Belgian military vehicles. This trust strengthens our determination to provide reliable solutions that are fully adapted to the operational requirements of Defense. "
Thibault Lambrecht, CEO of LS²: « The LS² teams are fully mobilized to launch this project and ensure a quality service for the Belgian land forces. We are committed to supporting the Belgian military, who are already responsible for the maintenance and operation of defense systems. At the heart of our ethos is the reliability of our work, the commitment of our employees and the agility of our structure to respond together to the challenges our armed forces may face. We are delighted to be a long-term partner, and look to the future with pride and determination. "
Over the next few months, LS² will be :
- The operational implementation of the joint venture ;
- Progressive resumption of maintenance activities at Land Force bases; ;
- The deployment of a transition plan guaranteeing the continuity of fleet support; ;
- Organizing a timetable for ramping up technical and commercial
industrial ; - The implementation of a operational availability monitoring system partners and Defence.
These steps will ensure that the program enters service smoothly, and that land support performance is optimized from the very first year.
The Belgian government, the Ministry of Defense, and the three partners are delighted with this major step forward, which illustrates Belgium's determination to be part of an integrated, sustainable development strategy. integrated european defense, while enhancing its industrial know-how.
